Babe Ruth's career was marked by incredible achievements and a larger-than-life persona, but his final years were a stark contrast to his glory days. As age and illness took their toll, Ruth faced challenges
both on and off the field. This article examines Ruth's later years, highlighting his struggle with declining health and his eventual retirement from baseball.
The Twilight of His Career
By the early 1930s, Babe Ruth's physical condition had begun to deteriorate. Years of high living and indulgence had caught up with him, affecting his performance on the field. Despite his declining health, Ruth continued to play for the New York Yankees, although his productivity was not what it once was.
In 1934, Ruth accepted a pay cut, acknowledging that his best years were behind him. He still managed to hit 22 home runs, but his batting average had dropped significantly. Ruth's desire to manage a major league team was well-known, but he was never given the opportunity, likely due to concerns about his behavior and lifestyle.
Struggles with Illness
Ruth's health issues became more pronounced in the mid-1940s. He began experiencing severe pain and difficulty swallowing, which led to a diagnosis of nasopharyngeal cancer. Despite undergoing experimental treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation, Ruth's condition continued to worsen.
In 1947, Babe Ruth Day was celebrated at Yankee Stadium, where he made a public appearance despite his frail state. His voice was reduced to a whisper, and he had lost a significant amount of weight. Ruth's battle with cancer was a private one, as he was never informed of the severity of his illness.
The End of an Era
Babe Ruth's final public appearance was at Yankee Stadium in 1948, during the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the stadium. By this time, Ruth was visibly weakened, using a bat as a cane to support himself. He passed away later that year at the age of 53.
Ruth's death marked the end of an era in baseball. His funeral was attended by thousands, and his legacy as a sports hero was cemented. Despite the challenges he faced in his later years, Babe Ruth's impact on baseball and American culture remains profound. His story is one of triumph and struggle, a testament to the highs and lows of a legendary career.
